Poems explained
Dylan Thomas urges his readers to “rage” against the dying light (Line 9) in “Do not go gentle into that good night”. First, he is referring to various types of males and their reaction to death. Thomas’ collective statement is that men do not embrace death; they rather “rage” against. The theme of dying light is discussed in this poem, especially lines 1-3.
A. E. Housman’s “To an Athlete Dieing Young” is a tribute to a young runner who died far too early. He begins with a reflection on a period when the athlete would win races and be carried home by the community. The town is now burying the deceased athlete. Housman goes on to say it’s better the athlete died early, because he wouldn’t have seen his records broken or his glory lost. The fourth stanza is dominated by the theme “dying light”.
The shady evening has closed the eyes
Cannot see record being cut
Silence is as good as cheers
After the earth has stopped your ears,
Housman says that the eyes of the dead cannot see the records that are broken. This reinforces the idea the athlete’s death was beneficial to him.
Thomas is better at developing the theme. Thomas’ poem is a call to arms against death. Thomas gives numerous examples. Housman’s focus is on the positive aspects of death, not the loss of light.
